Michael Nutt: 'The race has really opened up again – you couldn't really rule out any of the top four or five clubs'

They looked like hot title favourites at one stage, but all of a sudden Old Bleach are nervously looking over their shoulders in the chase for the Private Greens League Division One trophy.

The Randalstown team still hold a four-point lead over nearest challengers Larne, who have played one game less, but current champions Dunbarton are now pounding hard on their heels, which is even more alarming.

"The race has really opened up again - you couldn't really rule out any of the top four or five clubs," said Old Bleach's Michael Nutt. "We've had a few disappointing results of late (defeats by Ballymena and Dunbarton), which has opened the door to other clubs.

"Having never won the title, we've never been in this position before, so it's all new to us. We just have to keep our heads down and trying to pick up as many points as possible going into to the final few weeks of the season."

The Bleach Boys will be looking to generate momentum when they visit Willowfield today - a team that was hammered by Ballymena last time out.

Meanwhile, the Whitehead ribbons are being prepared to be draped on the NIBA Division One title.

They have opened up a massive 15-and-a-half points over Portadown, who are certainly the surprise pack of the season.

Whitehead can not only cement their top spot tomorrow, but victory at Balmoral would nudge the Belvoir Park boys nearer to the relegation trap door.

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